How a Contour Survey Works, Step by Step

A contour survey is a survey that shows the shape of your land, including the high points, low points and slope across the site. If you already know you need one, here is what actually happens from start to finish.

Step 1: Booking the Survey

You contact Kaymak Survey and describe your project. Whether you are on the Gold Coast or the Fraser Coast, we confirm what your site and your council need before booking a date.

Step 2: The Site Visit

A surveyor visits your property with survey equipment. They walk the site and take measurements at points across the land, including any slopes, dips or unusual features.

Step 3: Recording the Levels

Each point the surveyor measures has a height. Taken together, these measurements build an accurate picture of how the land actually sits, rather than a rough guess.

Step 4: Drawing the Contour Lines

Back in the office, the surveyor uses those measurements to draw contour lines. These are lines that connect points of equal height, a bit like the lines on a topographic map. They let anyone looking at the plan see the slope of the land at a glance.

Step 5: Checking Nearby Features

While preparing the plan, the surveyor also notes anything nearby that could affect drainage or design, such as easements or low points where water naturally collects.

Step 6: You Get Your Plan

You receive a plan showing the contour lines and levels across your site. This is ready to hand to your architect, engineer or council as part of your build or development application.

How Long Does It Take?

Turnaround depends on the size and complexity of your site. Usually this takes about four to five weeks from booking the job into preparing a final plan.

Want to Know if You Need One First?

If you are still working out whether your project needs a contour survey, a full detail and contour survey, or something else, tell us what you are planning and we will point you in the right direction.

Call 07 5576 0264 or contact | Detail Survey